Erin Johnson returns to JWT despite Martinez lawsuit

JWT chief communications officer Erin Johnson, who’s suing JWT over former global CEO Gustavo Martinez’s allegedly sexist and racist behaviour, is returning to work. Which should make for some interesting communications.

New JWT CEO Tamara Ingram said in a memo: “I want to let you know that Erin Johnson has decided to return to J. Walter Thompson from her leave of absence. She is rejoining us tomorrow, Wednesday, November 2nd, and will report directly to me. She will sit on the 4th floor, in our New York office. Please join me in welcoming her back.”

Johnson (left) has been on paid leave since filing the lawsuit, which is still being considered by a US judge, in March. Martinez resigned and is working for other projects for WPP, thought to include Nestle.

In a rational world there would, presumably, be some sort of financial settlement between Johnson and JWT. It’s hardly credible to have a senior officer of the company knocking out press releases on its behalf when she’s also suing it. But once the lawyers get involved..